A method and system for steering a mobile device to a preferred network, such as a Private LTE network or a 5G network, in a scenario in which the coverage area of the preferred network overlaps the coverage area of a non-preferred network. If a network function detects that the mobile device is located within the coverage area of the preferred network, the network steering procedure will be triggered. The mobile device will detach from its current network, place that network on a temporary forbidden list, and perform an automatic network selection. If mobile device selects another non-preferred network, the attachment request will be denied, and the mobile device will add that non-preferred network to the temporary forbidden list. This procedure is repeated until the mobile device attaches to the preferred network or a predefined duration expires.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein responsive to receiving a second attachment request prior to the first attachment request, the second attachment request being from a second non-preferred network, triggering an attachment rejection to the mobile device, wherein in response to the attachment rejection the mobile device is configured to add the second non-preferred network to the list of FPLMN and to initiate a second network selection procedure to attach to another available network not included on the list of FPLMN.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of FPLMN is stored in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM).
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the list of FPLMN is configured to be cleared after expiration of a first predetermined duration after the mobile device receives the steering command.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein a timer for the first predetermined duration is set in the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) responsive to the steering command.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein upon moving to a first new location outside the coverage area of the preferred network, the mobile device is configured to attach to the first non-preferred network after the list of FPLMN has been cleared.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein upon expiration of a second predetermined duration after the mobile device attaches to the non-preferred network, a network application is configured to determine whether the second new location is within the coverage area of the preferred mobile network, and responsive to determining that the second new location is within the coverage area of the preferred mobile network, triggering the steering command to the mobile device.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps of determining whether the current location of the mobile device is within the coverage area of the preferred mobile network and triggering a steering command to the mobile device are executed by a network application.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the network application is hosted at a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) to which the mobile device is subscribed.
A method for managing network applications in a mobile communication system addresses the challenge of efficiently handling application services across different network environments. The method involves a mobile device accessing a network application, where the application is hosted at the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) to which the mobile device is subscribed. This ensures that the application operates within the subscriber's home network, providing consistent service quality and security. The mobile device may be connected to a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) while accessing the application, allowing seamless service continuity even when roaming. The method includes steps for the mobile device to request access to the network application, authenticate with the HPLMN, and establish a secure connection to the application. The HPLMN verifies the mobile device's subscription and authorizes access, ensuring that only legitimate subscribers can use the service. This approach enhances service reliability and reduces latency by leveraging the home network's infrastructure, while also simplifying roaming procedures by maintaining a direct connection to the HPLMN-hosted application. The method is particularly useful for applications requiring high security or consistent performance, such as financial services or enterprise applications.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the network application is hosted on a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) or Unified Data Management (UDM) node.
The invention relates to network applications in telecommunications systems, specifically those hosted on a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) or Unified Data Management (UDM) node. These nodes are critical components in mobile networks, responsible for managing subscriber data and authentication. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure handling of network applications within these nodes to ensure reliable service delivery and data integrity. The method involves deploying a network application on an HSS or UDM node, which are central databases in 3G/4G and 5G networks, respectively. These nodes store subscriber profiles, authentication credentials, and service authorization information. The network application interacts with these nodes to perform tasks such as subscriber authentication, session management, and policy enforcement. By hosting the application on the HSS or UDM, the system ensures that subscriber data is accessed and processed in a secure and centralized manner, reducing latency and improving performance. The method may also include additional steps such as validating subscriber credentials, updating subscriber data, or enforcing network policies. These steps are essential for maintaining the integrity and availability of network services. The invention ensures that network applications operate efficiently within the constraints of HSS or UDM nodes, providing a robust solution for managing subscriber data and services in modern telecommunications networks.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the preferred mobile network is a Private Long Term Evolution (LTE) network or a Private 5th Generation (5G) network.
This invention relates to wireless communication systems, specifically methods for selecting a preferred mobile network for device connectivity. The problem addressed is ensuring reliable and secure connectivity in environments where multiple networks, including public and private cellular networks, are available. The invention provides a solution by enabling a device to prioritize a private LTE or 5G network over other available networks, such as public cellular networks or Wi-Fi, to enhance security, performance, or service quality. The method involves determining the availability of a private LTE or 5G network and automatically connecting to it when detected, while maintaining connectivity to other networks if the preferred private network is unavailable. This ensures seamless and secure communication in environments where private networks are deployed, such as enterprise campuses, industrial sites, or government facilities. The selection process may consider factors like signal strength, network policies, or user preferences to optimize connectivity. By prioritizing private networks, the invention improves data security, reduces latency, and ensures compliance with organizational or regulatory requirements. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where sensitive data transmission or high-reliability communication is critical.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the steering command is sent to the mobile device as an Over-The-Air (OTA) Short Message Service (SMS) message.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the steering command includes the list of FPLMN, an identification of the preferred mobile network, or a first predetermined duration upon expiration of which the mobile device is to clear the list of FPLMN.
This invention relates to mobile network selection in wireless communication devices. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and flexible management of preferred public land mobile network (FPLMN) lists in mobile devices, ensuring proper network selection while avoiding unnecessary storage or outdated entries. The method involves generating a steering command for a mobile device, where the command includes a list of FPLMN options. The command may also specify a preferred mobile network from the list or define a time-based expiration mechanism. If a first predetermined duration is set, the mobile device automatically clears the FPLMN list upon expiration, preventing stale or irrelevant network entries from persisting. This ensures the device dynamically adapts to network availability and user preferences without manual intervention. The method may also include additional features such as prioritizing networks based on signal strength, user preferences, or service quality. The steering command can be dynamically updated by a network operator or the device itself, allowing for real-time adjustments to network selection policies. This approach improves network connectivity reliability and reduces manual configuration efforts for users.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the steering command is a ‘Reset-Refresh’ message.
A system and method for managing vehicle steering commands, particularly in autonomous or semi-autonomous driving systems, addresses the challenge of ensuring reliable and accurate steering control. The invention involves generating and transmitting steering commands to a vehicle's steering system to control its direction. A key aspect is the ability to handle specific types of steering commands, including a ‘Reset-Refresh’ message. This message is used to reset or refresh the steering system, ensuring it operates correctly by clearing any errors, resetting internal states, or reinitializing communication channels. The system may include a controller that generates the steering command based on sensor inputs, vehicle dynamics, or user inputs. The steering command is then transmitted to the vehicle's steering actuator or electronic control unit (ECU) to execute the desired steering action. The ‘Reset-Refresh’ message helps maintain system stability and prevents potential malfunctions by periodically refreshing the steering system's state. This method ensures that the vehicle's steering remains responsive and accurate, even under varying driving conditions or after system disruptions. The invention is particularly useful in autonomous vehicles where precise and reliable steering control is critical for safety and performance.
15. The method of claim 2, wherein during a predetermined duration subsequent to the steering command, the second attachment request for the mobile device to attach to the second non-preferred network is rejected.
16. The method of claim 2, wherein the second attachment request is rejected by sending a ‘RoamingNotAllowed’ response to the second non-preferred mobile network from a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with the mobile device.
This invention relates to mobile network communication systems, specifically addressing issues in roaming scenarios where a mobile device attempts to attach to a non-preferred network. The problem occurs when a mobile device, while roaming, tries to connect to a second non-preferred mobile network after failing to attach to a preferred network. This can lead to inefficient network usage, unnecessary signaling, and potential security risks. The solution involves rejecting the second attachment request from the mobile device to the non-preferred network by sending a ‘RoamingNotAllowed’ response. This response is generated by the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN), which is the mobile device’s home network. The rejection prevents the mobile device from attaching to the non-preferred network, ensuring it only connects to authorized or preferred networks. This mechanism improves network efficiency, reduces unnecessary signaling, and enhances security by restricting unauthorized roaming. The process includes detecting the second attachment request from the mobile device to the non-preferred network, determining that the request should be rejected, and transmitting the ‘RoamingNotAllowed’ response to the non-preferred network. The HPLMN enforces this policy to maintain control over roaming behavior, ensuring compliance with network policies and service agreements. This approach is particularly useful in scenarios where roaming restrictions are in place to manage costs, security, or network performance.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, responsive to receiving a second attachment request prior to the first attachment request, the second attachment request being from a second non-preferred network, triggering an attachment rejection to the mobile device, wherein in response to the attachment rejection, the mobile device is configured to add the second non-preferred network to the list of FPLMN and to initiate a second network selection procedure to attach to another available network not included on the list of FPLMN.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the list of FPLMN is cleared after expiration of a first predetermined duration after the mobile device receives the steering command, thereby enabling the mobile device to attach to the first or the second non-preferred mobile network when the mobile device moves to a new location outside the coverage area of the preferred network.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein subsequent to determining that the mobile device is within the coverage area of the preferred network, a timer is set for a predetermined duration during which attachment requests from non-preferred networks are rejected.
21. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the steering command is sent to the mobile device as an Over-The-Air (OTA) Short Message Service (SMS) message and wherein the steering command includes the list of FPLMN, an identification of the preferred mobile network, or a first predetermined duration upon expiration of which the mobile device is to clear the list of FPLMN.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
March 10, 2022
October 4, 2022
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.